In the world of music and entertainment, artists often push boundaries and express themselves in unique ways during their performances. However, when veteran neo-soul singer, India.Arie recently voiced her disapproval of Megan Thee Stallion and Janelle Monáe‘s stage antics at Essence Fest, she found herself caught in a storm of online backlash.

The criticism has sparked a larger question: Does India.Aire have a point?

The controversy began when Meg and Monáe took the stage at the annual Essence Festival last weekend in a pair of electrifying performances that quickly went viral.

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During Monáe’s performance of the popular song “Yoga,” she surprised the audience by lifting one side of her bikini top, momentarily revealing her breast (which was covered with a pastie). Meanwhile, Megan Thee Stallion showcased her trademark moves, including staging an apparent twerking contest, during her performance. Soon afterward, India.Arie felt compelled to express her concerns.

YOU CANNOT POLICE @JanelleMonae #EssenceFest pic.twitter.com/h8iodAnIOp

— ESSENCE Festival (@essencefest) July 1, 2023

Taking to Instagram, India.Arie addressed the issue of “context” and discretion in live performances. She questioned whether every action belongs on the stage, particularly considering the presence of children in the audience. India.Arie went on to say she believed that such displays lacked taste and showcased a lack of respect for the art form.

India Arie just dragged Janelle Monáe and Megan Thee Stallion… pic.twitter.com/BKMXNFzDJC

— (@DiaryOfKeysus) July 5, 2023

Despite her attempt to convey her thoughts in what she deemed was a respectful manner, the internet responded with a wave of its own criticism for the singer. Social media users labeled India.Arie as out of touch and called her a bitter “old head.” Another running theme was how the singer has no right to judge women. Social media platforms were flooded with comments — some calling her out, others in support, both sides further fueling the backlash.

India Arie is right. Y’all knew that though. Attacking her character, words or actions won’t change our reality. Choice feminism & hyper sexuality has our community/culture in a chokehold that will negatively affect the next 2 generations. But most can’t see past next week so…

— The African Renaissance (@ByLazaruss) July 5, 2023

India Arie made a song that literally said not to judge women, regardless of what they wear and do, but she goes on ahead and does the complete opposite. LMAO!

— Will Smith Slapped Me (@AshleyShyMiller) July 5, 2023

To be fair, y’all just got done shaking ass at the BET awards. India Arie is right, I’ve been to the Essence many moons ago. And when I went in 2009 it was none of that. But I guess times have changed. https://t.co/QP44GRtq6t

— But It Helps (@NateWillis312) July 6, 2023

However, India.Arie said she is standing by her comments. Clarifying that her critique was aimed at the artists’ performances rather than their personal character, she emphasized in a series of Instagram Stories her love and admiration for Megan Thee Stallion and Janelle Monáe. India.Arie also reiterated her desire to see the music industry portray artists in a more respectful light.

India.Arie clarifies Megan Thee Stallion & Janelle Monae Essence Fest criticism https://t.co/52WCdDsvQr pic.twitter.com/57MQgsdi9n

— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) July 5, 2023

It’s worth noting that India.Arie’s criticism didn’t mention any other entertainers who performed at Essence Fest, some of whom used explicit language, like Jill Scott and Lil Wayne, further adding to the discussion surrounding the apparent selectiveness of her critique limited solely to the performances of Megan Thee Stallion and Janelle Monáe.

India Arie’s brand has become making controversial statements. As of recent, it’s the only time she’s in the headlines. If it’s not your cup of tea – then don’t drink it. Nobody is here for the policing of Black women’s body & your trash responsibility politics! pic.twitter.com/l89PXRZGTd

— Jerome Trammel, MBA (@MrJeromeTrammel) July 5, 2023

So, India Arie is upset at women dancing on stage, but not mad at the men and women who performed the explict versions of their songs the rest of the weekend. That’s funny. It’s always an issue when young Black Women are doing something. #EssenceFest

— (@annoyedsince92) July 5, 2023

so india arie only attacks sexually liberated women? a slew of male rappers who sexualize women are sitting RIGHT THERE.

r kelly, prince, and michael jackson are RIGHT THERE.

but yeah meg and janelle are the “problem with our community”?

— prima donna era (@dirtydiabla) July 5, 2023

On Wednesday, Monáe — who has been making headlines this summer for going topless in other instances — may or may not have tried to get the last word in by posting an Instagram video showing herself and other scantily clad women happily dancing suggestively.

So does India.Arie have a point or nah?

SEE ALSO:

Janelle Monáe Is Unbothered, Liberated And Unapologetically Living Her Truth

Open Letter To Megan Thee Stallion Draws Attention To Violence Against Black Women

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